Water to go: Portable, reusable storage for when you want (or need) to get away

Image source: Suhas Rawool from Pixabay

I have three use cases for portable water, especially during the warmer summer months:

• Car camping and road trips (fun)

• Fire season evacuations (not fun)

• Something else (possibly fun, but probably not fun)

When we went car camping in the past, our water supply was single-use, two-gallon plastic water jugs that came from the store and most likely ended up in a landfill. We do better now. On a recent camping trip we used the products featured in this post, saving at least six of those single-use jugs.

I credit the change to fire season and my friend Violet. (Hi, Violet!) Luckily, I've not experienced a fire evacuation, but Violet has. I never considered water storage until seeing her emergency "go" kit, which includes a combination of five- and one-gallon containers: The five-gallon containers provide greater capacity, obviously, but they're also somewhat cumbersome when filled, whereas the one-gallon containers remain super portable.

Inspired to set up my own system, I simply copied my friend, and why not? She's a trusted source who'd already done the research and tested the products. Here's the page from her playbook, with my thoughts added after testing the products on my own.

Image source: Legacy Food Storage 

Five-gallon water container from Legacy Food Storage

Yes, this container is plastic, but hear me out: Five gallons of water is heavy (~40lbs), so in this case I prefer a lightweight reusable plastic container over an equivalently sized stainless steel one, which would add about 8lbs to the overall weight. Besides, it's not intended for daily use.

• BPA-free, food grade plastic

• Dark blue material prevents light exposure to control algae growth

• Built-in handle for portability

• Stackable

• Easy to fill

• Vent cap for smoother pouring

• MSRP: Prices range from $36.99 (single container) to $159.99 (set of six)

Plan on one gallon of water per person, per day, and consider keeping a chlorine dioxide water treatment kit on hand. Sets of four or more of the above containers include an Aquamira kit that is EPA approved and CDC recommended. The same kit can be purchased separately for ~$15 from multiple retailers, like REI. Note that you'll want to change out stored water every 6-12 months. (I use the old water in the garden.)

Image source: RTIC Outdoors

One-gallon insulated jug from RTIC Outdoors

This jug is similar to a YETI option but at a much easier price point without compromising quality or durability. On our trip, we used these jugs as our primary water supply, refilling them as needed with the big blue containers.

• Kitchen-grade 18/8 stainless steel construction

• Double-wall vacuum insulated

• Works for cold or hot beverages

• No-sweat exterior

• Holds ice up to 24 hours

• Removable wide-mouth lid for easy filling and cleaning

• Air-tight seal

• Dishwasher safe

• 9 colors to choose from

• MSRP: $49.99

Of course, we also brought our reusable water bottles, but I'm sure you already have at least one of those. If not, this insulated water bottle/travel mug combo from CamelBak looks pretty nifty.

Now go have fun, waste less, be safe, and stay hydrated.